tenant matters spring 2011
DESCRIPTION
Tenant Matters Spring 2011TRANSCRIPT
Pictured above & main: MHA’s New Homes at Tulip Gardens, Llandogo and one of their happy occupants.
In this edition...
Welcome
Pip’s Welcome...
Welcome
2
Remaining safe...
Feature
5
Job Clubs...7
Upping the ‘anti’...10
Coping with rising costs...12
A guide to recycling...17
Happening near you...
Bits & Bobs
13
Competition winners...16
Letters...20
Looking to the future...
Tenants’ Forum
9
Are you ready?...18
MHA’s Handyperson...
Your Homes
6
Changing your services...9
Finding a new home...11
Improving neighbourhoods...15
New homes in Llanarth...
News
3
Welsh Quality Awards...3
Housing Benefit changes...8
Trevor Bowen Court...16
2011 Census...19
It’s definitely happening...21
MHA to the rescue...22
Karran Riley...
Spotlight
4
If you would like this Newsletter in a different format (e.g. large print , electronically, etc.) or in Welsh please contact Kate Bradbrook on 01495 761102 or email kate.bradbrook@monmouthsh irehous ing .co .uk
Inserted to this issue...
Making a Difference
*
1
Welcome to the first “Tenant Matters” of 2011. After one of the coldest and most snowbound December for some years, we can now all look forward to the Spring.
Even at this early part of the year, tenants have been very busy both at MHA and with other Housing Associations and their tenants. In early February Ian Pearce, a tenant board member, came along to the Regional Tenants Partnership meeting held at Merthyr Valley Homes, where we met up with tenants from other associations and local authorities to discuss current issues in social housing and the affects on tenants.
The Better Build Steering Group took a tour of the County, looking at some of the work being carried out on the Planned Maintenance programme and the work about to be completed on the “Non Traditional” homes. Tenants also attended with staff, a Tenant Participation Advisory Service (Wales), Regulation Workshop looking at the impact of how the new regulation framework will work when introduced this year. All this was done along with the other regular meetings such as Forum, work groups, editorial groups and Scrutiny Panel.
The Annual Fun Day is also being planned at the moment with the organising group carrying out a site visit in Monmouth, where this year’s event will be held in July. I hope as many tenants as possible can get along and I look forward to seeing you all there.
Pip’s Welcome...
2
Welcome
Got an idea for the Newsletter? - Contact the Newsletter Editorial Team on 01495 761115 or email [email protected]
Brian Spencer the Chair of Llanarth Community Council was delighted to see what he described as “a new breath of life in the community as for the first time in years a school bus is stopping in Llanarth”.
The opening of MHA’s new homes was a successful event and illustrates MHA’s determination to build well designed affordable housing in Monmouthshire!
New homes open in Llanarth...
In January MHA celebrated the successful handover of six new homes in Bersondy, Llanarth. Staff were joined by the happy families living in the homes, other residents, council members and the Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration, Jocelyn Davies.
During her speech the Deputy Minister said: “It is very pleasing to see families enjoying their new affordable homes and I am proud that the Welsh Government has helped to provide these homes with £500,000 of funding and support. Bersondy is an excellent example of how a relatively small number of homes can make a big difference to a village like Llanarth.”
Success at the Welsh Quality Awards...
saying that “the highlight for me was to pit ourselves against much larger and better resourced companies and to then be recognised for our efforts. Further improvements will follow, we will not be complacent, we are committed to putting people first and this will continue to be our on-going focus” - What an achievement!
Monmouthshire Housing has won a prestigious national award for the second time at the Wales Quality Awards; this year it was for People Development.
Judith Langmead, the tenant Chair of Monmouthshire Housing, praised staff saying: “both the Board of MHA and I, are incredibly proud of this award and feel it is a fitting reward for all the hard work put in by the staff of Monmouthshire Housing towards providing top quality services to our tenants. But I can assure tenants we will not rest on our laurels”.
John Keegan, Chief Executive, echoed this
by Ceri Morgan
by Ceri Morgan
3
News
Spotlight on Karran Riley...
I met Karren on her first visit to the tenant’s forum last January. Having moved to Wales to rejoin her parents six months previously, she now wanted to be involved with local issues and in a small way help to make a change for the better. Other tenants had told her about the forum so she thought it would be a good way to meet people and get to know her community.
She had been a little apprehensive at first but she’s glad now that she made that first move. Everyone is so friendly and helpful, she told me and we discussed possible ways she might get involved. I was pleased to learn that she liked to write and had written poetry from a very early age.
Naturally Karren was invited to join the editorial team for this magazine and together we have thought of many possible articles she could write for future copies. Her first contribution about the JOB CLUB in MONMOUTH is on page 7. Also today we are pleased to include a poem that I found very amusing. I hope we will have more to read in the future.
Ian Pearce introduces you to new Tenant Matters editorial team member, MHA Tenant Karran Riley.
Remember the gin, remember the whiskey?,
To leave it with him would be ever so risky!,
The nurse can remember seeing him topple,
‘But I only had one!’ he meant the whole bottle!,
‘Did you hear the one about?’ ooh that was a shocker,
Go on tell us another, you silly old bugger,
‘Your allabazonc’ or ‘You’re doo lally tap’,
He would say with raised eyebrows from under his cap,
‘Do what you want with my body’ we all heard him say,
‘It may well just be use to someone one day’,
So here is to you Ralph, you laughed ‘til the last,
So please raise a glass to the lovable old fart!
The Old Fartby Karran Riley
..........................................
by Ian Pearce
4
Spotlight
Gwent Police have launched live web chat sessions where Monmouthshire residents will be able to ask Superintendent Sutton, who is responsible for policing in the Monmouthshire area, he will answer a range of questions online, which could include questions about local crime or policing issues, as well as how to get involved in neighbourhood schemes.
The live web chats are expected to run on a regular basis, the last one was on the evening of the 23rd of February so it won’t be long till the next one.
To find out when the next session is and to register for an email reminder so you don’t forget about the chat, simply log onto: www.gwent.police.uk/about_us/nhp/monmouthshire/onlinemeeting.html
Remaining safe in your community...
With rises in the value of scrap lead, Monmouthshire is seeing an increase in scrap metal thefts.
A wide range of objects are being stolen, including vehicle batteries, lead roof tiles, metal patio furniture, ornamental objects, and even garden gates.
Residents are reminded to be vigilant and not to leave items out in their gardens as offenders trawl streets and housing estates looking for items to take from gardens.
• Keep any metal patio furniture out of sight when not in use.
• Keep gates locked and restrict vehicular access.
• Move any metal garden ornaments to a safe location.
• Security mark your metal items.• Ensure metal gates are securely
fastened to properly fixed posts.• Photograph any sentimental or
valuable property.
Welcome to the Community Safety page of Tenant Matters. It aims to keep you informed with up to date information about Community Safety issues (e.g. crimes) and general neighbourhood concerns (e.g. doorstep sellers).
by Mike Metcalfe
5
Feature
The MHA Handyperson Service...
In January, Monmouthshire Housing Association (MHA) introduced the Handyperson Service to get these jobs done. The new initiative is currently available to those over the age of 60yrs and disabled residents. It’s designed to compliment MHA’s Repairs Service by carrying out jobs that aren’t usually covered but you struggle to do yourself.
Kim attended to a door that needed re-hanging as it was sticking on a newly-fitted carpet, he also fitted a hanging pole in a cupboard, and a safety-chain to the backdoor while he was there.
Mr Mclean said, “in this current economic climate, this service is very good value for money and it is safe, secure and reliable. It is nice to know that MHA cares about its tenants by providing this for us.” Both Mr and Mrs Mclean said they would recommend this service 100% to other MHA residents and would not hesitate to use it again.
You can book an appointment in the same way you report a repair by calling the Repairs Hotline (Freephone) on 0800 980 7751 (01495 761143 for mobile users) to book your appointment now!
How many times have small jobs around the house been left undone for the lack of the right tool, or a person to use it?!
For an hourly charge of £15 or £7.50 for half an hour, Kim Fielding and John Davies are able to carry out these jobs or any others that you just haven’t got round to doing.
This compares to an average of £20 an hour for a local tradesman and also has the advantage of ‘the known face’ of MHA. Mr & Mrs Mclean were some of the first residents to use our new Handyperson Service, and this was one of the reasons why they decided to use it. They “knew who MHA were and trusted their employees would do a good job.”
Note: The Handyperson service is an addition to normal repairs. It is not intended to replace MHA’s commitment to providing tenants with a first class repair services.
Why not do the same as some tenants from our sheltered schemes and share the cost by combining jobs. Don’t forget the cost is by time, not per item.
by Steph Dye
6
Your Homes
Job Clubs in Monmouthshire...
• Form filling, CV and letter writing• Searching for jobs online and in the
local papers• Advice on qualifications and courses• Specialist advice and appointments
with Careers Wales
Have you ever wanted to brush up your interview skills or get help to write your CV? Do you need help to fill out application forms or search for jobs online? Are you facing barriers to achieving your goals? Then a Job Club is the perfect place for you !
2:30pm - 4:00pmThe Youth & Community Centre,Old Hereford Road,Abergavenny,NP7 6EL
1:00pm - 2:30pmOvermonnow Family Learning Centre, Victoria Estate, Monmouth,NP25 5AR
For more information, please call Gill Clark on 07767 411864 or 01873 850755. Gill will also be happy to hear from anyone living in the Chepstow or Caldicot areas as she is keen to start clubs in those areas too.
If like me you are unemployed and find it frustrating that Monmouth has no Job Centre, there is hope!
After six months of travelling to Abergavenny, I learned that Monmouth had a Job Club which I could also attend. The job club has provided me with support to improve my CV; they have the local papers available for me to look at the job adverts, and a computer where I can look online. I find this really useful as I don’t have the internet at home.
by Karran Riley & Mike Metcalfe
7
Feature
How the benefit reforms will affect you...
Have you seen the news? There are changes coming to the welfare benefit system. Some of the changes to the system are complex, and many are still open to challenge. However some of the changes will be happening in the next few months and they could affect you.
• Those receiving incapacity benefit, severe disablement allowance or income support based on disability grounds transferring to Employment Support Allowance (ESA) (from February 2011)
• The work capability assessment changing for new and existing ESA claimants. This may mean that some claimants are moved to Job Seekers’ Allowance (JSA), or onto other (reduced) benefits (from April 2011)
• Lone parents whose youngest child is aged 5 or above transferring from Income Support to JSA (from October 2011).
You will be notified by letter of any changes in your benefit entitlement. Please contact the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 882 200 if you have questions about how your entitlement may change.
The Government are making major changes to the way Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefits are worked out, from the 1st April. Many changes will affect people who rent from a private landlord. However, there are changes that will affect some Monmouthshire Housing Association (MHA) tenants too.
Changes in the next few months are related to non-dependent deductions. If there is an adult living in your household who you do not claim benefit for, the deductions made from Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit will increase. This means that your Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit entitlement may reduce from April 2011. The Council will have notified you by letter during March regarding any change in your entitlement.
If you are concerned about the effect of these changes on your benefit entitlement, phone the Council’s Benefits service on 01633 644650 or 01633 644655, call in to your local One Stop Shop, or visit www.monmouthshire.gov.uk and go to the Advice and Benefits section.
If you are concerned about these changes and how they will affect your ability to pay your rent or bills, MHA is here to help. You can call our Income and Energy Advisors for more support: Hayley D’Alessio (North of the County) on 07725824800, or Matt Taylor (South of the County) on 07792 596915.
by Scott Bryant
8
News
Changing your services...
The biggest change has been to the Housing and Communities directorate and the old Area Housing Teams (dealing with anti-social behaviour, lettings, and rent arrears). These teams have now been replaced by two Neighbourhood Teams, covering the North and South of the county (dealing with rent arrears, certain aspects of estate management and less-serious anti-social behaviour complaints), and the Partnerships and
MHA’s entire structure has been reviewed as part of an effort to improve the delivery of services to tenants and residents, and several changes have been made.
Projects team, which will specialise in dealing with allocations and serious anti-social behaviour complaints.
The changes, which took effect in January 2011, have meant that some staff have changed their roles or areas that they work in. You may already have had the chance to become familiar with your new Neighbourhood Officers.
On Thursday 24th February tenants came together with staff at Llandogo’s Millennium Village Hall, for a meeting of the “Your Homes Workgroup”. Their task was to feed into MHA’s Corporate Plan by looking at tenants’ priorities for MHA over the next 12 months.
The discussions were informative and enlightening and both tenants and staff
were able to focus their thoughts into the task in hand. Their recommendations from the meeting will be passed on to MHA’s senior management team and the Board and will help MHA to become an even better Landlord, providing services better managed and more effective for its tenants service users.
Looking to the future...
by Scott Bryant
by Rob Carey
9
Your Homes
Upping the ANTI (SOCIAL)...
The creation of the specialist ASB team is in response to tenants’ concerns about how ASB complaints have been dealt with in the past. The change will allow more time and resources to be given to the most serious anti-social behaviour cases, as well as to ASB prevention.
Previously working within the housing teams, Senior ASB Officer Margaret Langley, and ASB Officer Aileen Wallen (pictured), have a wealth of experience and knowledge about ASB in Monmouthshire. They have good partnerships with other agencies, including the Police and support services, to help them tackle anti-social behaviour effectively.
MHA classes anti-social behaviour as “any type of aggressive, intimidating or destructive activity that damages or destroys another person’s quality of life”. This can include, but is not
restricted to, intimidation, physical or verbal violence, noise nuisance, hate-related crime, domestic abuse or using properties or communal areas inappropriately or for illegal purposes. Monmouthshire Housing will not tolerate this sort of behaviour and will take action to stop it. This can lead to those tenants committing ASB being evicted from their home, although this is an absolute last resort, and MHA will do their upmost to work with both the complainant and perpetrator to resolve issues before this stage.
If you, or anyone you know, is experiencing anti-social behaviour from a MHA tenant or leaseholder, please call 0845 677 2277 and report it to the Community Services Team, or contact your local Neighbourhood Officer.
MHA’s new specialist Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) team will deal with persistent or urgent ASB cases involving MHA tenants and leaseholders. The team will work alongside Neighbourhood Officers who will continue to deal with nuisance ASB cases.
by Scott Bryant
10
Feature
The new way to find a home...
Ways to bid (refer to the Scheme User Guide for more details):
• The Internet: www.monmouthshirehomesearch.co.uk• By Telephone: 0300 1000 224 (1p/min)• By Text Message: 07781 472726• By Post using the pre-addressed coupons
There are 28 properties available in HomeSearch
www.monmouthshirehomesearch.co.uk
Bidding Cycle:Number 4 (Opens 9am) 09/03/2011
Bidding deadline for this cycle is:
Noon - 14/03/2011
2 Bed, House
Landlord: Charter HousingRent: £71.21pwService Charge: £1.22pw
Clos Bury Capel,Abergavenny
3 Bed, House
Landlord: Melin HomesRent: £76.28pw
St Andrews Crescent,Abergavenny
1 Bed, Sheltered Flat
Landlord: Monmouthshire H.A.Rent: £72.89pwSupport Charge: £3.50pwWater & Sewerage: £9.33pw
Cwrt Severn, Caldicot,Monmouthshire
Landlord: Monmouthshire H.A.Rent: £68.06pwSupport Charge: £2.90pwWater & Sewerage: £7.92pw
Ysguborwen,Abergavenny
1 Bed, Bungalow
Landlord: Monmouthshire H.A.Rent: £65.66pwSupport Charge: £2.90pw Water & Sewerage: £8.25pw
Lime Tree Avenue, Wyesham, Monmouth
1 Bed, Bungalow
Landlord: Monmouthshire H.A.Rent: £66.19pwSupport Charge: £2.90pwWater & Sewerage: £8.25pw
St Teilos Rd, Mardy,Abergavenny
1 Bed, Bungalow
Landlord: Monmouthshire H.A.Rent: £68.06pwService Charge: £3.50pwWater & Sewerage: £8.41pw
Prince Charles Close,Raglan, Monmouthshire
2 Bed, Flat
Landlord: Monmouthshire H.A.Rent: £69.88pwService Charge: £2.90pwWater & Sewerage: £8.84pw
Somerset Rd, Monmouth Monmouthshire
3 Bed, Maisonette
Landlord: Monmouthshire H.A.Rent: £70.21pwWater & Sewerage: £9.13pw
Wheatfield Close, Monmouth
Landlord: Monmouthshire H.A. Rent: £75.59pwWater & Sewerage: £9.39pw
This is a small selection of the properties available to rent this fortnight. For a full list of properties please visit our Website or call into the One Stop Shops for a FREE Property Sheet.
Registered Applicants may bid for all properties for which they are eligible. For further information call Homesearch on 0845 900 2956.
Note: All images are for illustrative purposes only and are not indicative of the properties available for rent.
Ref No: 084 Ref No: 087 Ref No: 068 Ref No: 080 Ref No: 072
Ref No: 077 Ref No: 081 Ref No: 073 Ref No: 074 Ref No: 078
3 Bed, House
Rother Avenue, Abergavenny
1
1 Bed, Flat
1
MHA, the County Council, Melin Homes and Charter Housing have launched a new choice-based Common Allocations Policy for the whole of Monmouthshire, called ‘Monmouthshire Homesearch’. This new policy has simplified the process of accessing social housing in Monmouthshire, while making it more open and transparent, which are key values for MHA.
The new choice-based letting system came into effect on 17th January 2011, and the first properties were let to applicants at the beginning of February. You can view all available properties and bid for those that you are interested in and eligible for. You can view the list online, by collecting a Freesheet at one,
of the county’s One Stop Shops or by looking in the local Free Press newspaper. You can then bid for properties online, by text, by coupon or by telephone. There is also a specialised service for vulnerable applicants, whereby staff will help applicants to bid for a property.
Visit www.monmouthshirehomesearch.co.uk, or ring 0845 900 2956 for more information.
by Scott Bryant
11
Your Homes
Coping with rising prices...
Make sure you take advantage of services available to help you cope with increasing prices.
Prices are going up everywhere - most noticeably there’s the increase in VAT and fuel prices. Housing providers across Wales have now been informed by the Welsh Assembly Government that the guideline rent increase for this year will be 5.6%. This is the highest level we have seen in a number of years.
The rent increase is linked to the rate of inflation which reflects how much more everyone, tenants and landlords like MHA have to pay for goods & services.
This rent increase affects all Councils and housing associations in Wales. Monmouthshire Housing has ensured that our rents do not increase more than the guideline amount. Unfortunately, a number of other Councils and Housing Associations will have to raise rents even more so that they can continue to deliver services to tenants.
Is available to all of our tenants. As part of the scheme, trained Income and Energy Advisors can visit you to:
• Help you shop around for the cheapest gas and electric tariff.
• Give advice on debt and help you budget your money.
• Ensure you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to and help you maximise your income.
That because you have many price increases to cope with you may need some help to manage this rent rise, so we are taking this opportunity to remind you about some of the ways we can help with managing your household budget.
If you would like to contact us to book an appointment please call:
• Matthew on 07792 596 915 if you live in the Caldicot or Chepstow areas or
• Hayley on 07725 824 800 if you live in the Monmouth, Abergavenny, Raglan or Usk Areas.
All appointments are totally confidential and can take place at your home or wherever you feel most comfortable.*
by Kath Deakin
12
Feature
What’s happening near you?...
A shopping trip to Bath - This will be open to all residents of Monmouthshire with a small charge of £2 for tenants and £3 for accompanying friends. Buses will be running from each of the towns, to book a place please give us a call! (Places limited to 2 friends per tenant).
Each year, at Monmouthshire Housing Association (MHA) we are expanding the activities and services that we offer you. There are lots of things being planned for the coming months and we would love to see you at one of the activities.
Adult Learners Week - There is going to be lots of fun and interesting activities happening throughout Monmouthshire. So if you fancy brushing up on your D.I.Y Skills, practicing your singing, or maybe you’d like to come to our offices and see what we do? Then this is the time to do it, details will be going up on our website nearer to the time (www.monmouthshirehousing.co.uk) but please contact us if you would like to know more.
Fun Day 2011 - There will be activities for everyone from head massages and tai chi, to the traditional fun day activities such as bouncy castles, gladiator duels and face painting, competitions, prizes, and much more! There really will be something for everyone so get the date in your diary now and give us a call if you would like to join in with the table top sale.
We are also looking to run lots of sporting activities in the Whitsun half term and would like to hear from any local sports clubs that would like to get involved. Our latest event – a Soccer Skills School, in partnership with Monmouth Football Club – attracted a massive 52 children.
by Jenny McCarty
13
Bits & Bobs
What’s happening near you?...
We will be running another trip, this time to the BEACH! That’s right, we’re off to Tenby. If you would like to join us, just give us a call.
If you would like to know anymore about community activities or if you would like to share your ideas with us, please contact:
• Jenny McCarty on 01495 761120 or email [email protected]
or
• Cheryl Tracy on 01495 761007 or email [email protected]
The long summer holidays will be kicking in at the end of July. What do you plan to do to occupy your children during this time? MHA will be again running the popular Play in the Park project to provide regular FREE play activities throughout Monmouthshire. If you would like to see the team of playleaders in a park near you, or if you fancy the job of playleader yourself then please get in touch before the end of April!
If you would like to help out at any of our events we will be keen to have you on board. Tenant Matters will also be interested to hear from anyone who regularly volunteers in their own communities and will publish stories of those who get in touch right here in your own newsletter!
by Jenny McCarty
14
Bits & Bobs
Improving your neighbourhoods...
Towards the end of last year we carried out a Community Profiling exercise in two areas of Monmouthshire; one in the North and the other in the South of the County.
The residents in each area were asked questions about how they felt about their neighbourhoods and what possible improvements they would like to see happen. We then held feedback sessions in both areas in December so tenants could see and discuss the results of the profiling exercise and help come up with an action plan for making improvements to their neighbourhoods.
The profiling area in the north included Rother Avenue, Majors Close and Underhill Crescent. Some of the concerns residents in this area had were related to the condition of some people’s gardens, litter, graffiti and problems with Work Vans and general parking. As a result of this feedback MHA intends to:
• Hold a Garden Amnesty, where people can get rid of scrap cars and rubbish etc.
• Speak to the Chip Shop and Keep Wales Tidy about getting some more bins
• Remove graffiti and re-paint the garages• And speak to residents about
considerate parking
The profiling area in the south included Longfellow Road, Betjeman Avenue and Masefield Road. Some of the concerns residents in this area had were about communal areas in flats, play provision, car parking and garage areas. As a result of this feedback MHA intends to:
• Look at how the garden areas at flats can be improved
• See if anyone is interested in their own ‘plot’ for gardening or vegetable growing or even a shared communal garden
• Look into additional parking bays• Hold a Play in the Park session in the
area• And paint the doors and fascias on the
garages.
MHA intends to begin this work in the coming months, and will keep you informed of our progress.
by Cheryl Tracy
15
Your Homes
Trevor Bowen Court: The Facts...The accommodation at Trevor Bowen Court in Monmouth has had a high number of vacancies for a long time now. It also requires such high investment to meet the Welsh Housing Quality Standard that Monmouthshire Housing Association’s (MHA’s) Board needed to think carefully about what the best options were moving forward. To help, they engaged specialist consultants in sheltered housing, PDW, (Project Development Workshop Ltd) to look at the ongoing repair and long-term viability of the scheme.
Taking on board the findings of the consultants report, and following lengthy and careful consideration, the Board have decided their preferred option for the Trevor Bowen Court Sheltered Scheme is to demolish and redevelop the site.
Tenants living at Trevor Bowen Court have been kept up to date with decisions and a number of discussions
have been had on how MHA can support them through the moving process
A member of staff, Amanda has been seconded to work with the residents at Trevor Bowen Court to help and support them through the process.
Tenants have also been provided with their own newsletter to explain the reasons for the changes and invite those affected to complete an application for re-housing.
MHA has made a commitment that any tenants that have expressed a wish to move back, once the site has been re-developed, can do so. MHA wish to ensure that any move, whether temporary or permanent, meets the needs of all our tenants and that those affected receive as much support as they require throughout the redevelopment process.
The winners of the last Edition’s Colouring Competition were Heather Sulland and Amy Jones. Both did a fantastic job of colouring in the Christmas scene and they each won £15 of Argos Vouchers. Heather
plans to spend her winnings on some new toys! If you would like a chance to win this Edition’s Competition then please see our back page.
Colouring Competition Winners...
by Scott Bryant
16
News
Your guide to recycling...
Over the past eight years in Monmouthshire, we have increased our recycling rate from 8% to over 40% - that’s more than 32% less waste going to landfill - This is a fantastic achievement by you, Monmouthshire’s residents.
But it can’t stop here! We need to keep reducing the amount we landfill - old sites are filling up and the government is increasing the tax for sending things to landfill. Most Monmouthshire Housing properties are now covered by the Council’s weekly recycling schemes or will be in the very near future. For this reason, fortnightly collections of general waste (black bags/bins) have been introduced in the south of the County with the rest of Monmouthshire to follow this year. For more information about our services see www.monmouthshire.gov.uk or contact your local One Stop Shop.
• Paper • Magazines• Newspapers• Junk Mail• Phone Books• Catalogues
• Thin Card• Envelopes• Shredded Paper• Juice Cartons • Tetra Paks
• Grass Clippings• Leaves• Cuttings up to
2” in diameter
• Cardboard • Shredded Paper• Vegetarian Animal
Waste
• Food Tins• Drink Cans• Kitchen Foil• Aerosols• Plastic Bottles• Yoghurt Pots
• Margarine Tubs• Plastic Punnets• Ready Meal Trays• Glass Bottles• Glass Jars
• Cooked or raw food
• Bones• Tea Bags
• (Use newspaper or shredded paper to absorb any liquids and help keep your bin clean).
Please help us to keep your area clean and tidy by only placing your bags and bins out on the correct collection day.
by Monmouthshire County Council
17
Feature
Are you ready for the Tenants’ Forum?...
There are over 280 tenants registered as members of the Forum. It meets bimonthly at venues around the County so it could be coming to a venue near you soon.
We asked a new member of the Forum to tell us about his experience of attending for the first time:
“I didn’t realise at first that any tenant could go to the Forum but they can and getting involved is very worthwhile. The Forum can be like a gateway to lots of other tenant involvement opportunities. The new people that I have met, both tenants and staff have been friendly, polite and they encourage you to have your say! The housing topics covered are always relevant and it can be very enlightening to see the bigger picture.”
Yes. MHA will pay your travelling costs to and from the meetings or provide transport to get you there. We will also pay for any child care or respite care if you are a carer. We will give you a form to complete at the meeting which you send to us in a pre paid envelope with any receipts. You will receive a cheque in the post reimbursing your costs. We also provide refreshments at meetings.
If you would like to have your say and take advantage of any of MHA’s tenant involvement opportunities contact Rob Carey your Tenant and Resident Involvement Co-ordinator 01495 761115 or email [email protected]
The next meetings are going to be held on:
Wednesday 18th May 2011
Wednesday 20th July 2011
Wednesday 20th September 2011
Wednesday 23rd November 2011
by Rob Carey
18
Tenants’ Forum
“According to ONS data the average British woman is 38 years old, earns £22,000 per year if she is working and has 1.96 children. Is that Ms Average in Monmouthshire? Unless we know different, we have to make certain assumptions, however unfamiliar the ‘average citizen’ might sound to most of us. Our experience is that those who don’t get counted are often those with the greatest need for public services.Remember the census form only takes a few minutes to fill in, it only comes round every ten years and it influences how billions of pounds are spent.”
The 2011 Census is coming...
On 27th March the Office for National Statistics (ONS) aims to count everyone in England and Wales, ask some questions about who they are, where they live, and how they use public services. The forms only take a few minutes to fill in but look longer because they are in English and Welsh.
The census has been held every 10 years since 1801 (except during the Second World War) and has gone from being a simple head count – to track population growth – to being an essential tool for planning all sorts of services. Everything from water supply to train routes and hospital sites relies on census data, and the results make a big difference to how much money councils, health authorities and others receive. The information gathered is only released as anonymous statistics. All personal details are kept strictly confidential and the ONS will not share it with anyone, even government departments, for 100 years.
Look out for the form coming through your door in March. It can be completed in English or Welsh, on paper or on-line if you prefer. Guidance is available in lots of formats including large print, audio and Braille. There will also be a helpline advertised and census staff will be able to carry out home visits if required.
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News
Letters and Emails...
What you think of us is what drives us as an organisation. Therefore, PLEASE let us know what you think by contacting us.
Dear Tenant Matters,
I am writing to say thank you MHA for your friendly interference.
I was visited recently by one of your Income and Energy Advisors, who after a quick check felt that I was not receiving enough Housing Benefit. After a more thorough check she discovered that the calculation was incorrect, and helped me to get my claim recalculated.
This has resulted in an increase in my benefit from £52.43 to £69.30 a week, and a back-payment of over £1000.
I can’t thank you enough, as without this visit I would never have known about the underpayment and would have continued to struggle on.
Keep up the good work!
Is there something that you would like to tell us at Tenant Matters? It could be a complaint about something you’ve experienced, a compliment like this one, or even just a note about your thoughts on something. If you have a question we will attempt to print it here and provide an answer so go on, give it a go, and write to us today!
The Newsletter Editorial Team can be contacted on [email protected] or by post to Nant-y-Pia House, Mamhilad Technology Park, Mamhilad, NP4 0JJ
If you would like help and advice with money matters, contact Hayley or Matt on 01495 767181/01495 767182
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Bits & Bobs
It’s definitely happening...
• The Youth Service to subsidise a trip to Thorpe Park at Halloween and a number of other trips to happen throughout the summer
• Community Matters in Abergavenny to go to Bristol Zoo and shopping in Cribbs Causeway
• The I’m Bored Club in Rogiet with start up costs and vital equipment; and
• The Wyesham Play Project with their goal of getting new play equipment
From gardens to Ice Fayres and Halloween trips to the Xmas Factor, the Making it Happen grant scheme is helping groups across Monmouthshire do their bit in making Monmouthshire a great place to live.
We have also just approved applications from Friends of Gardd y Bryn in Abergavenny so that they can buy new tools and carry-out much needed repairs, the Youth Service to support a Young People’s Triathlon, and the Mulberry Centre to run an Eco-Explorers Camp for young people in Abergavenny looking to learn new skills.
MHA’s Sponsorship scheme has also supported the Monmouth Football Club, Severn Corners youth centre, and Abergavenny’s talent show ‘The Xmas Factor’ to name but a few.
We hope to be able to help even more people do good work in their communities this year, so if you have a good idea that will help the community where you live and are looking for help to get it off the ground then speak to us and apply for a Making it Happen grant or sponsorship. You can find out more by ringing Jenny on 01495 761120.
by Jenny McCarty
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News
MHA rescues 2nd Caldicot Scouts...
Whilst half the Country was suffering from a cold spell in December 2010, forcing most people to turn up their heating to stay warm. The poor Scouts from 2nd Caldicot were left in the cold as their boiler had broken down.
Their bravery is beyond doubt as all the Leaders carried on with their weekly meetings despite the freezing weather conditions.
When Adrian Simmonds of Monmouthshire Housing’s, Heating Department heard of the Scouts predicament he set about resolving the problem. He negotiated with Glowworm, a national boiler manufacturer, to donate a new boiler; and then Myson a specialist parts company came up trumps by donating the controls. John Keegan, Chief Executive of Monmouthshire Housing donated the time of some of MHA’s qualified gas engineers to get the boiler installed.
“We as a group are indebted to all involved in supplying and fitting the new heating system, without their help and support we would have faced a huge bill which the group could ill afford. This new boiler will benefit the group for years to come, by cutting the costs of the heating bills and also helping the environment.”
Group Chairman Keith Mellens also expressed his extreme gratitude to Adrian Simmonds and John Keegan of MHA, together with Glowworm and Myson, for their generosity and support shown to the 2nd Caldicot Scouts. As a mark of their thanks, a plaque will be displayed on the building to this effect.
MHA is open to applications of support from all community groups just call 0845 677 2277 (or 01495 761100 from a mobile) to ask about our sponsorship opportunities and the Making it Happen Grant scheme.
by Jenny McCarty
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News
Do you think you can take a better picture to sum up what Easter is? There’s a prize in it for both children & adults, if you can!
As part of Tenant Matters new look, people of all ages can now enter this prize competition. In the next edition, we will show you who has won both the childrens and adults age categories. To be in with a chance of winning, just send your photo in to us at Nant Y Pia House, Mamhilad Technology Park, Mamhilad, Monmouthshire, NP4 0JJ or email it to [email protected] by 1st April 2011.
That cute little bunny has hopped all day,
delivering baskets for the holiday.
His paws are so tired and his nose how it
itches,
He left you something special to fulfill all your
wishes-
Lots of cute little Easter bunny hugs and kisses.
Poem: ‘Easter bunny hugs and kisses’
The Easter Bunny came last night
And left this little scoop.
Because you weren’t too good this year,You’re getting Bunny
Poop!
Poem:‘Easter bunny poop’
Do you have a poem about summer that you want to share? Send it in, and you could see it here in the next edition!